Legal claims defining the scope of protection. Each claim is shown in both the original legal language and a plain English translation.
1. A method of detecting loss of data connection in a plurality of links between an exchange and one or more of a plurality of network terminals arising during presence of a user at an intervention point node on the links between the exchange and the network terminals, comprising: receiving connection information about a loss of data connection on any one of the links; receiving duration information about a duration of the user presence at the intervention point node; determining in real-time or near real-time, using a computer hardware processor, if the loss of data connection occurred within the user presence duration; causing line tests to be conducted on each of the links for which loss of data connection is determined to have occurred within the user presence duration; receiving results of the line tests including a number of links being determined, by the line test, to exhibit a fault; and determining if the number of links determined to exhibit a fault exceeds a predetermined threshold number.
A method for detecting data connection loss in a network. When a technician is working on the network at a connection point, the system monitors data links between the exchange and network terminals. The system receives information about any data connection losses and the duration of the technician's presence. Using a processor, the system determines if the connection loss happened while the technician was present. If so, it runs tests on those links to identify faults. Finally, it checks if the number of faulty links exceeds a set threshold, indicating a potential problem related to the intervention.
2. A method according to claim 1 wherein the connection information comprises an instantaneous or near-instantaneous report about loss of data connection on any one of the links.
In the method for detecting data connection loss, the system receives immediate reports about data connection losses on any of the links, providing near real-time awareness of connectivity issues. This facilitates faster detection and response to potential problems arising from technician intervention.
3. A method according to claim 1 wherein the connection information comprises a loss of synchronisation alarm received from a multiplexer or access node in the exchange via an element management system.
In the method for detecting data connection loss, the system receives loss of synchronization alarms from multiplexers or access nodes located at the exchange, which are communicated via an element management system. This alarm indicates a disruption in the data flow and acts as the connection information, initiating the fault detection process.
4. A method according to claim 1 wherein receiving connection information comprises failure to receive a signal indicative of a restoration of the connection.
In the method for detecting data connection loss, the system identifies a connection loss by failing to receive confirmation that the connection has been restored. The absence of a "connection restored" signal within a defined timeframe indicates an ongoing issue that requires further investigation.
5. A method according to claim 1 wherein the duration information takes the form of user presence start and stop times received from the user while at the intervention node point.
In the method for detecting data connection loss, the system tracks the duration of the technician's presence using start and stop times reported by the technician while working at the connection point. These timestamps define the window of time during which any connection losses are considered potentially related to the intervention.
6. A method according to claim 1 further comprising sending, to the user, information about the affected links, wherein the information includes the identity of the affected links if the number of affected links falls below the predetermined threshold number.
In the method for detecting data connection loss, if the number of faulty links is below the threshold, the system sends the technician details about the affected links, including their IDs. This allows the technician to quickly identify and resolve the specific issues caused by their actions during the intervention.
7. A method according to claim 1 further comprising sending information to a cable theft alert system if the number of affected links exceeds the predetermined threshold number.
In the method for detecting data connection loss, if the number of faulty links exceeds the threshold, the system sends information to a cable theft alert system. This indicates a potential large-scale disruption that may be caused by malicious activity, triggering further investigation by security personnel.
8. A method according to claim 1 wherein the loss of data connection in links between an exchange and one or more of a plurality of network terminals arises as a result of user activity at the intervention point node.
In the method for detecting data connection loss, the data connection losses on links between the exchange and network terminals are directly caused by the technician's actions during their work at the intervention point. This emphasizes that the system is designed to detect issues related to human error or accidental damage during maintenance.
9. The method of claim 1 , wherein the intervention point node comprises a distribution point in a telecommunications network, the distribution point being arranged between the network terminals and the exchange.
In the method for detecting data connection loss, the technician's intervention point is a distribution point within the telecommunications network, located between the network terminals and the exchange. This specifies a common physical location where such interventions frequently occur.
10. The method of claim 1 , wherein the intervention point node comprises a cross-connection point in a telecommunications network, the cross-connection point being arranged between the network terminals and the exchange.
In the method for detecting data connection loss, the technician's intervention point is a cross-connection point within the telecommunications network, located between the network terminals and the exchange. This specifies another common physical location where such interventions frequently occur.
11. The method of claim 1 , wherein the connection information comprises a real-time or near-real time identification about loss of data connection of one or more of the links.
In the method for detecting data connection loss, the system receives real-time or near real-time identification of data connection losses on one or more links, providing immediate awareness of connectivity problems. This allows for prompt investigation and resolution of issues.
12. The method of claim 1 , further comprising, indicating an intervention fault when a determination is made that the number of links determined to exhibit a fault does not exceed the predetermined threshold number.
In the method for detecting data connection loss, if the number of faulty links does not exceed the predetermined threshold, the system flags an "intervention fault." This indicates a problem likely caused by the technician's work, but not severe enough to trigger a cable theft alert, requiring further investigation by support staff.
13. Apparatus for detecting loss of data connection in links between an exchange and one or more of a plurality of network terminals arising during presence of a user at an intervention point node on the links between the exchange and the network terminals, comprising a computer hardware processor arranged to: receive connection information about a loss of data connection on any one of the links; receive duration information about a duration of the user presence at the intervention point node; determine, in real time or near real-time, if the loss of data connection occurred within the user presence duration; cause line tests to be conducted on each of the links for which loss of data connection is determined to have occurred within the user presence duration; receive results of the line tests including a number of links being determined, by the line test, to exhibit a fault; and determine if the number of links determined to exhibit a fault exceeds a predetermined threshold number.
An apparatus detects data connection loss when a technician is working on a network. It includes a processor to: receive information about data connection losses, track the duration of the technician's presence, and determine if the loss happened during the intervention. It triggers line tests on affected links, receives the test results (number of faulty links), and determines if the number of faulty links exceeds a threshold.
14. Apparatus according to claim 13 wherein the intervention point node comprises a distribution point or a cross-connection point in a telecommunications network.
The apparatus for detecting data connection loss has an intervention point, which is either a distribution point or a cross-connection point in a telecommunications network. These points are typical locations where technicians interact with network cabling.
15. Apparatus according to claim 13 wherein the processor is arranged to receive connection information in the form of a loss of synchronisation alarm from a multiplexer or an access node located in the exchange.
In the apparatus for detecting data connection loss, the processor receives connection information as loss of synchronization alarms originating from a multiplexer or access node within the exchange. This alarm signals a disruption in the data flow, alerting the system to initiate its diagnostic procedures.
16. The apparatus of claim 13 , wherein the connection information comprises a real-time or near-real time identification about loss of data connection of one or more of the links.
In the apparatus for detecting data connection loss, the connection information is a real-time or near real-time identification of data connection loss for one or more of the links, enabling immediate detection of connectivity problems.
17. The apparatus of claim 13 , wherein the duration information includes a user presence start time at the intervention point node and a user presence stop time at the intervention point node.
In the apparatus for detecting data connection loss, the duration information includes the technician's start and stop times at the intervention point. This timestamp data precisely defines the intervention period, crucial for determining causality between the intervention and connection issues.
18. The apparatus of claim 13 , wherein the processor is further arranged to send, to the network terminal, information about the affected links, wherein the information includes the identity of the affected links if the number of affected links falls below the predetermined threshold number.
The apparatus for detecting data connection loss sends information about the affected links to the network terminal if the number of faulty links is below the threshold. This informs the terminal user about the specific connection issues, providing details to support troubleshooting or repair efforts.
19. The apparatus of claim 13 , wherein the computer hardware processor is further arranged to indicate an intervention fault when a determination is made that the number of links determined to exhibit a fault does not exceed the predetermined threshold number.
In the apparatus for detecting data connection loss, the processor indicates an "intervention fault" if the number of faulty links is below the threshold, signaling a likely problem caused by the technician's work.
20. The apparatus of claim 13 , wherein the computer hardware processor is further configured to send information to a cable theft alert system if the number of affected links exceeds the predetermined threshold number.
In the apparatus for detecting data connection loss, the processor sends information to a cable theft alert system if the number of affected links exceeds the threshold, indicating potential malicious activity.
21. A system comprising: a plurality of network terminals; an intervention point node; an exchange; links established between the exchange and the plurality of network terminals; an apparatus for identifying loss of data connection in the links between the exchange and one or more of the plurality of network terminals arising during presence of a user at the intervention point node on the links between the exchange and the one or more network terminals, the apparatus comprising: an element management system by which the apparatus receives connection information, a communications device by which the the apparatus recives duration information; and a computer hardware processor at least arranged to: receive connection information about a loss of data connection on any one of the links; receive connection information about a duration of the user presence at the intervention point node; determine, in real time or near real-time, if the loss of data connection occured within the user presence duration; cause line tests to be conducted on each of the links for which loss of data connection is determined to have occured within the user presence duration; receive results of the line tests including a number of links being determined, by the line test, to ezhibit a fault; and determine if the number of links determined to exhibit a fault exceeds a predetermined threshold number.
A system for detecting data connection loss includes network terminals, an intervention point, an exchange, and data links. The system has an apparatus with an element management system (receives connection information), a communication device (receives duration information), and a processor. The processor receives connection loss and duration data, determines if the loss occurred during the intervention, initiates line tests, receives results, and determines if the number of faulty links surpasses a threshold.
22. A system according to claim 21 further comprising a cable theft alert system configured to receive a signal from the computer hardware processor if the number of affected links exceeds the predetermined threshold number.
The data connection loss detection system further includes a cable theft alert system. This system receives a signal from the processor if the number of affected links exceeds a threshold, indicating possible cable theft.
23. An access network comprising a system of claim 21 further comprising: a multiplexer or an access node located at the exchange.
An access network incorporates the data connection loss detection system. It further includes a multiplexer or an access node located at the exchange, which forms part of the network infrastructure where data connections are managed.
24. The system of claim 21 , wherein the computer hardware processor is further arranged to indicate an intervention fault when a determination is made that the number of links determined to exhibit a fault does not exceed the predetermined threshold number.
In the data connection loss detection system, the processor flags an "intervention fault" if the number of faulty links is below the threshold, indicating a likely problem caused by the technician's work, warranting further investigation.
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October 31, 2017
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